This summer, Sarasota’s two- and four-legged residents no longer need to decide between date night and dog night as Boo’s Ice House and Dog Bar introduces the region’s first ever dog-centric social club with an attached bar and restaurant. Opening in the historic Ice House building on 10th Street on the edge of the blossoming Rosemary District, Boo’s will offer both indoor and outdoor gated puppy play areas for dogs and dog owners, as well as a drinking and dining portion that will offer beer, wine, spirits, and comfort food separate from but with visibility of the dog areas. The concept is the brainchild of co-founder Mindy Kauffman, along with her husband, Bobby Boivin, who saw a need in the Sarasota area for a place designed specifically for dogs and people to have a great time at the same time.

With over 3500 square feet of interior dog space to go along with about 2500 square feet of exterior dog space, the park bodes well for the warmer months when dogs are happier and safer in the shade. But the “puppy chow” menu of scratch-made dog meals will include dog-safe ice creams to help cool them off in the summer. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for dogs and dog owners, the concept also includes a screening process as part of its membership application. But even for non-members just looking for a day or night out, Boo’s promises to offer delicious drinks and bites for those who just want to hang out in the company of man’s best friend. “We encourage everyone to come even if you don’t have a dog,” says Kauffman, “you can pet other people’s dogs, make new friends, and just feed off the joyful energy that dogs bless us with.”

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